Mills comes under fire for refusal to revive BDR

Opinions remain divided on how to best combat alcohol abuse in Indigenous communities.

ABC; file

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has expressed Disappointment that the Northern Territory Government has ruled out the reintroduction of the Banned Drinker Register (BDR).

Ms Macklin is in Alice Springs today after having met with Territory Chief Minister Terry Mills in Darwin last night.

She has met with representatives from the People's Alcohol Action Coalition in Alice Springs to discuss alcohol abuse in the town.

Ms Macklin is again calling for an assessment of two locals hotels known to operate "animal bars" for Aboriginal patrons.

She says she still wants the Territory to reinstate the BDR, but would not be drawn on what action the Federal Government will take if it doesn't.

"We have been calling, from the Commonwealth, for the reintroduction of the Banned Drinkers Register and I am very disappointed that the Chief Minister has said that the Northern Territory Government will not do that," she said.

"We will continue to consider the best way forward in this regard."

Mr Mills says the Federal Government would be foolish to revive the BDR.

He says while he and Ms Macklin have agreed to work together on remote service delivery, they remain at odds on some issues.

Mr Mills says he is not worried about the Commonwealth using its powers to bring back the BDR scheme.

"I'd be stunned if they wanted to try that kind of stunt," he said.

"That sort of intervention would be a very foolish thing to do, given that the Banned Drinkers Register didn't work."

MINIMUM STANDARDS

Mr Mills says he has no problem with the Federal Government's minimum standards for Alcohol Management Plans.

"Those minimum standards are fine," he said.

"It's just how we actually make that happen is the point.

"That's the discussion yet to be had."

He also has reservations about sending assessors to two Alice Springs hotels.

"I've got some real reservations about that being an appropriate measure."

Federal Health Minister Warren Snowdon says the Territory Government is ignoring what is best for Aboriginal people by refusing to restore the BDR.

He says the it has thrown away its best tool for tackling alcohol abuse in Aboriginal communities.

"It would save them money is the longer term; it would mean the jails would have fewer people in them," he said.

"There would be less stress on the hospital system, families would be happier, kids would be going to school.